Passage Summary: Even though people think plastic is worse, a study found there is less plastic trash than paper trash. Since they both do about the same damage per pound, the author argues paper is actually the bigger problem for the environment.

Conclusion: The current use of plastics is less environmentally damaging on a national scale than the use of paper products.

Reasoning: Plastics make up a smaller percentage of total trash than paper does, and both materials cause roughly the same amount of environmental damage per unit of weight or volume.

Analysis: The conclusion is signaled by the transition 'therefore' and directly counters the 'popular opinion' mentioned earlier. It is the final claim that the premises—the study results and the damage-per-unit fact—are intended to prove. When identifying a conclusion, always look for the statement that is supported by other claims but does not itself support any further claim in the passage.